Development of thyroid abnormalities in mummichogs,Fundulus heteroclitus,from a polluted site

Previous studies showed that adult and 6-month-old young-of-year Fundulus heteroclitus from a polluted site have enlarged thyroid follicles and (in adults) higher thyroxine levels compared to fish from an unpolluted reference site. This study's purpose was to discover when in development these differences begin to appear. For 15-20 mm fish, the average follicle size of the polluted population was significantly larger than that of the reference population, similar to the pattern found in older fish. However, for the smaller size (12-14.5 mm), the average follicle size of fish from the polluted site was significantly smaller. Although not statistically significant, radioimmunoassay measurements of thyroxine levels were consistent with follicle differences: in larger sizes (20-25 and 15-20 mm) fish from the polluted site had higher thyroxine levels but the smaller size (12-14.5 mm) had lower levels. Therefore, the thyroid abnormalities seen in adults begin when the fish are approximately 15-20 mm long. However, the follicle size reversal for the 12-14.5 mm range may also indicate abnormality at that developmental stage.     

Behavior and brain chemistry correlates in mummichogs (Fundulus heteroclitus) from polluted and unpolluted environments

The ability of Fundulus from a polluted environment to capture a prey organism, the grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio), was compared to that of Fundulus from an unpolluted reference site. Fish from the unpolluted site took significantly more prey (p < 0.1) during the first 5–10 min of each trial than fish from the polluted site.Analysis of the neurotransmitters dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) and their metabolites, DOPAC, homovanillic acid (HVA), and 5-hydroxy-indolacetic acid (5-HIAA) in cerebellums and medullas was performed by HPLC. Mummichogs from the polluted site had significantly lower concentrations of 5-HT and its metabolite 5-HIAA in their medullas, but not cerebellums, than fish from the reference site (p < 0.05). Concentrations of DA, DOPAC and HVA were not different between populations in either part of the brain. Neurotransmitter concentrations were shown to be independent of size and therefore, presumably, age.Analysis of Hg in livers and brains of these mummichogs by atomic absorption spectrophotometry showed significant differences between the two populations for both organs. Earlier work showed that the behavioral deficit could be elicited by Hg; thus, this was the putative neurotoxic agent. However, there are other candidates which may contribute to neurotoxicity in the study site.     

鱼类甲状腺轴对胚胎发育、仔鱼变态及性别分化的调控作用研究进展

鱼类甲状腺轴由下丘脑、垂体、甲状腺组成,下丘脑通过分泌促甲状腺激素释放激素、促肾上腺皮质激素释放激素调节垂体促甲状腺激素的合成和分泌,促甲状腺激素促进甲状腺滤泡合成并释放甲状腺激素(主要为甲状腺素—T4),T4运输至肝脏等外周组织中,经过脱碘转化形成生物活性更强的三碘甲腺原氨酸(T3),T3主要通过同核受体结合发挥生物学功能。甲状腺激素对鱼类胚胎发育、仔鱼变态及性别分化等早期生长发育过程具有重要调控作用:甲状腺激素为鱼类胚胎发育期所必须,外加适量甲状腺激素能够提高胚胎或仔鱼存活率;仔鱼变态过程中,某些外部形态变化及相关组织分化依赖甲状腺激素的调控,牙鲆等仔鱼变态期体内甲状腺激素水平及其受体表达量会显著升高;性腺发育期,甲状腺激素对调控鱼类性别分化方向可能具有一定作用。     

Hepatic histopathology in two populations of the mummichog,Fundulus heteroclitus

The pollution-tolerant mummichog, Fundulus heteroclitus, inhabits a heavily contaminated estuary, Piles Creek (PC), in Linden, NJ. PC contaminants include PAHs, PCBs and many metals, including high Hg and Pb. PC mummichog livers and kidneys were compared with those from a pristine estuary in Tuckerton (TK), NJ, by standard histopathological methods, with quantification by computerized image analysis. PC livers had > 2 x the lipid ratios of TK livers. Cell sizes and shapes were not different between populations. TK livers had a 25% incidence of basophilic areas and an age-related 30% incidence of macrophage aggregates; PC livers had none of these lesions. PC livers had a 100% incidence of necrotic foci, compared with 55% of TK livers. Inflammation was noted in 50% of TK livers but only 27% of PC livers. Curiously, the TK livers had a 45% incidence of metacercarial cysts of a digenetic trematode, while none were found in the PC livers. The TK focal necrosis and macrophage aggregates coincided with parasite infestation. There were no observed kidney lesions in either population. Positive biomarkers in this species thus included high hepatic lipid content, possibly necrosis, but no other lesions. The lack of trematode cysts in PC livers may reflect the lack of an intermediate host in this low biodiversity estuary.     

Hepatic histopathology in two populations of the mummichog, Fundulus heteroclitus

The pollution-tolerant mummichog, Fundulus heteroclitus, inhabits a heavily contaminated estuary, Piles Creek (PC), in Linden, NJ. PC contaminants include PAHs, PCBs and many metals, including high Hg and Pb. PC mummichog livers and kidneys were compared with those from a pristine estuary in Tuckerton (TK), NJ, by standard histopathological methods, with quantification by computerized image analysis. PC livers had>2× the lipid ratios of TK livers. Cell sizes and shapes were not different between populations. TK livers had a 25% incidence of basophilic areas and an age-related 30% incidence of macrophage aggregates; PC livers had none of these lesions. PC livers had a 100% incidence of necrotic foci, compared with 55% of TK livers. Inflammation was noted in 50% of TK livers but only 27% of PC livers. Curiously, the TK livers had a 45% incidence of metacercarial cysts of a digenetic trematode, while none were found in the PC livers. The TK focal necrosis and macrophage aggregates coincided with parasite infestation. There were no observed kidney lesions in either population. Positive biomarkers in this species thus included high hepatic lipid content, possibly necrosis, but no other lesions. The lack of trematode cysts in PC livers may reflect the lack of an intermediate host in this low biodiversity estuary.     

Behavioral effects in mummichog larvae (Fundulus heteroclitus) following embryonic exposure to methylmercury

Embryos of the mummichog, Fundulus heteroclitus, were exposed to concentrations of methylmercury (meHg) below those that can cause morphological abnormalities. After hatching, larvae were kept in clean water and tested periodically for ability to capture prey (Artemia salina) or for their swimming performance and predator avoidance. Embryonic exposure to 10 μg/liter meHg resulted in reduced prey capture ability by early larvae, measured as total Artemia caught in 1 and 5 min. However, older larvae recovered from the behavioral deficits, perhaps owing to a compensation for early CNS insult. Fish from a chronically polluted environment (Piles Creek (PC), a tributary of the Arthur Kill), previously shown to have high tolerance to the teratogenic effects of higher concentrations of meHg, proved to be less susceptible to these behavioral effects than fish from a relatively uncontaminated site (EH). Also, the PC control larvae captured prey far more effectively than the EH larvae, although they made more miscues. When tested for swimming performance after embryonic exposure to 10 μg/liter, EH larvae had increased performance when compared to controls. This effect was also transitory. The improved swimming performance did not correspond to improved ability to avoid predation by grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio). The increased swimming performance may correspond to greater total activity, making them more likely to attract the predator's attention and resulting in increased capture. Thus, negative, though temporary, effects were observed in both prey capture and predator avoidance after embryonic exposure to meHg.     

ComparativeP-postlabeling analysis of DNA Adducts in Perch (Perca fluviatilis) from unpolluted and polluted areas in Swedish coastal waters

Perch (Perca fluviatilis), were sampled from unpolluted and polluted areas in Swedish coastal waters. The level of aromatic/hydrophobic DNA adducts in liver tissue was analyzed using the nucleas P1 version of the³²P-post-labeling assay. The level of total adducts measured in the individual fish from polluted areas was between 6 and 22 nmol of adducts/mol of nucleotides, and in the fish from the reference area between 0.2 and 0.6 nmol of adducts/mol of nucleotides.     

Frequencies of liver neoplasia in a feral fish population and associated carcinogens

Previous research had documented prevalent liver neoplasia within feral fish populations from half a dozen polluted waterways of North America.^1–3 A brown bullhead, Ictalurus nebulosus, population in the Black River, Ohio, had a 33% prevalence of grossly observable liver tumors in fish older than 2 years compared to 0 % in 249 bullhead from a reference location (Buckeye Lake).⁴ To approximate the actual prevalence of gross plus microscopic lesions combined in the Black River population, we captured 125 bullhead at least 250 mm in length in 1982. Livers were preserved for histopathology and pectoral fin spines were removed for aging. On average, each liver was sectioned at five levels for diagnosis. Bullheads (whole fish) and Black River sediment were analyzed for polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry as previously reported.^4,5 Bullheads were found to have a higher incidence of liver tumors than was grossly apparent and to contain elevated levels of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).     

Altered feeding habits and strategies of a benthic forage fish (Fundulus heteroclitus) in chronically polluted tidal salt marshes

Responses in feeding ecology of a benthic forage fish, mummichogs (Fundulus heteroclitus), to altered prey resources were investigated in chronically polluted salt marshes (the Arthur Kill-AK, New York, USA). The diet niche breadth of the AK populations of mummichogs was significantly lower than that of the reference population, reflecting reduced benthic macroinfaunal species diversity. Most of the AK populations also had 2-3 times less food in their gut than the reference population. This disparity in gut fullness among the populations appeared to be partly due to ingested prey size shifts; some of the AK populations ingested fewer large prey than the reference population. Furthermore, benthic assemblages were strongly associated with sediment-associated mercury; gut fullness of the AK populations also significantly decreased with increasing mercury body burdens. These results indicate that chronic pollution may have directly (chemical bioaccumulation) and indirectly (reduced prey availability) altered the feeding ecology of mummichogs.     

Seasonal variation in lysosomal destabilization in oysters,Crassostrea virginica

Lysosomal destabilization assays have been used as valuable biomarkers of pollutant exposures in a variety of bivalve and fish species. The responses of oysters, Crassostrea virginica, deployed at and native to various reference and degraded sites were evaluated for lysosomal destabilization during both summer and winter seasons. In both native and deployed oysters, lysosomal destabilization rates tended to be higher during the winter at both reference and polluted sites. There are at least two hypothetical explanations. Greater lysosomal destabilization rates may be related to physiological changes associated with mobilization of nutrient reserves during the winter and gametogenesis. However, lysosomal destabilization in deployed oysters was correlated with tissue metal concentrations. These data also support a second hypothesis that seasonal differences in physico-chemical factors (such as reduced levels of acid volatile sulfides) may increase the bioavailability of metals during the winter so that adverse effects are more pronounced.     

Impact of a telemetry-transmitter implant on daily behavioral rhythms and physiological stress indicators in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata)

The effect of intracoelomic tagging of an acoustic telemetry transmitter (1.65% ratio of tag mass in the air to fish mass in the air) on behavioral (food intake and locomotor activity) and physiological (blood glucose and plasma cortisol) parameters of gilthead seabream was investigated. To this end, fish (289 ± 53 g, mean ± SD) were divided into 3 experimental groups: control (C), transmitter (T, inserted surgically) and sham group (S, subjected to surgery but without transmitter insertion). Blood was extracted during surgery and 9 days later. Throughout the trial, fish were fed by means of self-feeders and locomotor activity was measured by means of an infrared photocell. Two days after the first manipulation, a significant decrease in food intake could be observed in all the experimental groups. The fact that food intake was not affected after the second manipulation seems to indicate that a learning process took place for handling. The rhythmicity of feeding and locomotor activity was not affected by handling in any experimental group. However, group T showed increased plasma cortisol levels 9 days after surgery. In conclusion, while most behavioral parameters were not affected by handling, the plasma cortisol levels of seabream 9 days after insertion of the transmitter indicated a physiological impact that should be taken into account in long-term radiotracking studies, since such an operation could have negative effects on wild individuals after the end of the tracking experiments.     

Evaluation of non-specific immune functions in dab,Limanda limanda L., following short-term exposure to sediments contaminated with polyaromatic hydrocarbons and/or polychlorinated biphenyls

Experimental exposure tanks were set up containing 'clean' marine sediment spiked with set doses of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), or polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), or both. Reference tanks contained only 'clean' sediment. Female dab Limanda limanda L., exposed to these sediments for 7 days showed no differences in serum total protein concentration, serum lysozyme activity or body growth. Their kidney leucocytes were assayed for extracellular production of reactive oxygen species of the phagocytic respiratory burst. No significant differences in superoxide anion (O2-) production were found between fish exposed to the 'spiked' sediments and those on the 'clean' reference sediment. The production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was, however, reduced in the fish held on the PAH and PAH/PCB spiked sediments. H2O2 levels for fish exposed to PCBs alone, did not differ significantly from those of control fish. Our results suggest that the decrease in H2O2 production was due to exposure to PAHs, rather than to PCBs.     

Differences in the effects of mercury on predator avoidance in two populations of the grass shrimp Palaemonetes pugio

Adult Palaemonetes pugio were collected from two tidal creek systems, Piles Creek (PC), a mercury polluted estuary, and Big Sheepshead Creek (BSC), a relatively pristine creek. Adult killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus), a natural predator of P. pugio, were obtained from BSC. For each test, ten treated (0·01 mg/liter mercuric chloride (HgCl), or 0·01 mg/liter methylmercuric chloride (MeHg)), or control shrimp here introduced into a tank containing three fish. The time between capture of the first and second BSC HgCl treated shrimp was significantly faster (P < 0·05), as was the time between the first and second capture (P < 0·05) of MeHg treated BSC shrimp when compared with their respective controls. In addition, significantly more (P < 0·025) BSC HgCl treated shrimp were captured after 120 min. No significant difference existed between control and HgCl treated PC shrimp; however, significantly more PC MeHg treated shrimp were captured after 60 (P < 0·05) min when compared with their respective controls. These data suggest that PC shrimp, subjected to mercury in their natural environment, are more tolerant to the sublethal effects of both HgCl and MeHg. These data also suggest that behavioral studies can be very sensitive assays for determining the effects of sublethal concentrations of toxicants on populations of organisms.     

Oxidative stress in two populations of killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) with differing contaminant exposure histories

A population of killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) inhabiting a creosote-polluted inlet of the Elizabeth River demonstrates tolerance to the acute toxic effects exerted by contaminated sediments on reference site killifish. Previous data have suggested that upregulated antioxidant defenses contribute to short-term tolerance in killifish exposed to Elizabeth River sediments. This study investigated population differences in antioxidant defenses from wild caught Elizabeth River and reference population killifish in different seasons, and after being held in the laboratory. Parameters measured in the killifish were total glutathione concentrations (GSH(T)), activities of glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and lipid peroxidation (LPO), all in adult hepatic tissues. The Elizabeth River population exhibited greater GSH(T), higher GPx activities, and increased LPO as compared to the reference population. Sex specific population differences were also observed in GSH(T) and GPx. Both populations displayed decreased GSH(T) and increased GR from early to late summer, as well as after being held in the laboratory. This study indicates that there are many factors that may contribute to differences in levels of antioxidant defenses in addition to exposure to contaminants, including reproductive status and environmental conditions.     

投喂策略对多纹钱蝶鱼幼鱼生长的影响

为研究投喂策略对多纹钱蝶鱼(Selenotoca multifasciata)幼鱼生长的影响,实验选取初始湿体质量为1.19±0.35 g的多纹钱蝶鱼幼鱼进行养殖,实验为期60 d.1)投喂频率实验:实验设计4组,分别为F1(8:00投喂1次),F2(8:00、20:00投喂2次),F3(8:00、14:00、20:0...     

Changes in body condition and fatty acid composition of wild Mediterranean horse mackerel (Trachurus mediterraneus, Steindachner, 1868) associated to sea cage fish farms

Net-cage fish farms attract a great number of wild fishes, altering their behaviour and possibly their physiology. Wild Mediterranean horse mackerel (Trachurus mediterraneus), sampled from populations aggregated around two Mediterranean fish farms and from two natural control populations, were analyzed for differences in body condition, stomach content and fatty acid composition. Pellets used to feed caged fish in both farms were also analyzed to identify their relationship with the fatty acid composition of tissue of wild fish. T. mediterraneus aggregated around the farms throughout the year although large seasonal changes in abundance and biomass occurred. Wild fish aggregated at farms mainly ate food pellets while control fish fed principally on juvenile fish and cephalopods. Wild fish that fed around the cages had a significantly higher body fat content than the control fish (7.30+/-1.8% and 2.36+/-0.7%, respectively). The fatty acid composition also differed between farm-associated and control fish, principally because of the significantly increased levels of linoleic (C18:2omega6) and oleic (C18:1omega9) acids and decreased docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6omega3) in farm-associated fish. The increased condition of wild fish associated with farms could increase the spawning ability of coastal fish populations, if wild fish are protected from fishing while they are present at farms. The fatty acids compositions could also serve as biomarkers to infer the influence of a fish farm on the local fish community, helping to better describe the environmental impact of fish farming.     

Physical habitat and social conditions across a coral reef shape spatial patterns of intraspecific behavioral variation in a demersal fish

As coral reef ecosystems decline in health worldwide, reef‐associated fishes are being impacted by changes to their coral reef habitats. While previous studies have shown coral reef structure to affect the demography of reef fishes, changes in reef conditions may also impact the behavior of reef fishes as they cope with altered habitats. In this study, we examined spatial patterns of intraspecific behavioral variation in the bicolor damselfish (Stegastes partitus) across the fringing reefs of Curaçao (Caribbean Sea), and explored how this behavioral variation associated with physical and social conditions on the reef. Principal components analysis (PCA) condensed physical parameters of the reef into principal component 1 (PC1), comprising depth, coral cover (%), rugosity, and average hole size (cm²), and principal component 2 (PC2), which represented the number of holes. PC1, but not PC2, increased spatially across the reef as the habitat transitioned from coral rubble in the shallows to live coral on the reef slope. This transition in reef structure was paralleled by changes in social conditions including decreases in bicolor damselfish density in habitats with higher PC1 values. The behavior of bicolor damselfish also varied spatially with greater aggression and more frequent shelter use in habitats with lower PC1 values. Path analysis revealed robust associations between this behavioral variation and physical habitat conditions of the reef, indicating that physical – rather than social – habitat variation is the primary determinant of these spatial patterns of intraspecific behavioral variation. Taken as a whole, this coupling between physical reef structure and behavior suggests that reef fish may show altered behaviors on coral reefs degraded by anthropogenic impacts.     

日粮中不同糖源对吉富罗非鱼(Oreochromis niloticus)稚鱼养殖效果与机理研究

采用含有25%葡萄糖、麦芽糖、蔗糖、蔗糖糖蜜、糊精、小麦淀粉等不同糖源的6组等氮、等能量半纯合实验日粮, 研究了不同糖源对吉富罗非鱼稚鱼养殖效果与机理。结果表明, 葡萄糖组、麦芽糖组鱼的特定生长率、饲料效益和蛋白效益显著低于其它各个糖源组鱼(P<0.05); 葡萄糖组和麦芽糖组鱼鱼体总能明显低于其它各个糖源组鱼(P<0.05); 葡萄糖组和麦芽糖组鱼肝脏脂肪、肝糖原和肌糖原含量明显低于其它各个糖源组鱼(P<0.05); 葡萄糖组鱼血糖浓度与总蛋白含量显著低于其它各个糖源组鱼(P<0.05); 葡萄组和麦芽糖组鱼肝组织中己糖激酶(HK)显著高于其它各个糖源组鱼(P<0.05), 葡萄糖-6-磷酸酶(G6Pase)和磷酸烯醇式丙酮酸羧激酶(PEPCK)显著低于其它各个糖源组鱼(P<0.05)。本实验结果认为, 日粮中不同糖源对吉富罗非鱼稚鱼养殖效果的差异主要与调控鱼体内糖代谢的关键酶己糖激酶(HK)、葡萄糖-6-磷酸酶(G6Pase)和磷酸烯醇式丙酮酸羧激酶(PEPCK)对不同糖源的糖分子结构不同活性有关, 与糖的分子大小无关。在罗非鱼稚鱼饲料中添加蔗糖糖蜜效果较好。     

Growth of estuarine fish is associated with the combined concentration of sediment contaminants and shows no adaptation or acclimation to past conditions

We tested whether the growth rates of small benthic fish (Gillichthys mirabilis) in three southern California estuaries corresponded with the local concentrations of contaminants. Fish originating from each estuary were transplanted to cages in each estuary in two reciprocal transplant experiments. The growth rates of caged fish, and the size-distribution of natural populations, showed the same pattern of difference among estuaries. Twelve metals and organic contaminants occurred in bulk sediments at concentrations close to their individual ERL values, and a simple index of their combined concentration (the mean ERL quotient) was inversely correlated to the growth of caged fish. Metals in the water column occurred at lower concentrations, relative to toxicity thresholds, than those in sediments and were unrelated to fish growth. Fish used in the field caging experiments, and other fish held in the laboratory under constant conditions, showed no difference in growth according to their estuary of origin. Fish originating from different estuaries also showed no consistent differences in their tissue burden of organic contaminants. Our results thus suggested no genetic adaptation or physiological acclimation to the past contaminant regime, but revealed a possible association between fish growth rates and the combined concentration of multiple sediment contaminants.     

Assessment of hormonal activity of UV filters in tadpoles of frog Xenopus laevis at environmental concentrations

Residues of UV filters used as ultraviolet absorbers in sunscreens, cosmetics and in light protection have been found in surface water and fish. Recently some of them were shown bearing estrogenic activity, however, very little is known about possible adverse effects to aquatic life. Here we investigate whether two UV filters, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC) and 3-benzylidene camphor (3-BC), interfere with the thyroid and sex hormone system during frog metamorphosis. Xenopus laevis tadpoles were exposed to 1, 5 and 50 μg/L of 4-MBC and 3-BC, respectively, for 35 days (NF stage 52–66). The rate of metamorphosis was not affected, and no obvious differences in body and tail length compared to controls were observed. Neither 4-MBC, nor 3-BC led to effects on the sex ratio or gross gonad morphology of X. laevis at stage 66. Our results indicate that these UV filters do not negatively affect the thyroid system and sex ratio of frogs at environmental concentrations.